Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing

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If you’ve only ever had store-bought Caesar dressing, prepare to meet your new obsession. This classic homemade Caesar dressing is rich, creamy, garlicky, and deeply savory, with just the right amount of tang. It transforms any simple bowl of romaine lettuce into a restaurant-quality salad that you’ll crave again and again.

Made with real ingredients like anchovy paste, freshly grated Parmesan, and a splash of lemon juice, this dressing packs bold flavor in every spoonful. It comes together in minutes and keeps well, making it a perfect staple for busy weeknights or special dinners alike.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating the perfect Caesar dressing doesn’t require a professional kitchen, but a few tools make all the difference:

• Food Processor or Blender: Essential for achieving a silky, emulsified texture. It ensures all ingredients come together into a smooth, cohesive dressing.
• Garlic Press or Microplane: Helps mince or grate garlic finely so it infuses evenly throughout the dressing.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accuracy matters when balancing the sharpness of lemon, saltiness of anchovy, and creaminess of mayo.
• Whisk and Mixing Bowl (if not using a processor): Ideal for small batches and gives you more control over the texture.
• Glass Jar or Dressing Bottle: For storing the dressing in the fridge while keeping it fresh and ready-to-pour.

With these simple tools, making your own Caesar dressing at home becomes not only possible but incredibly easy.

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Ingredients for the Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing

Each ingredient in this Caesar dressing plays a distinct role in building that irresistible umami-rich flavor and creamy texture:

• Mayonnaise: Acts as the base, giving the dressing its smooth and creamy consistency without the need for raw eggs.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth and helps emulsify the ingredients for a stable, velvety finish.
• Anchovy Paste: The key to authentic Caesar flavor—it lends savory saltiness and depth without tasting fishy.
• Fresh Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic kick that complements the umami elements.
• Lemon Juice: Offers bright acidity to balance the richness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity.
• Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Gives the dressing its signature salty-nutty bite.
• Olive Oil: Rounds out the texture and enriches the flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances all the other ingredients and adds a finishing layer of flavor.

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How To Make the Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing

Step 1: Combine the Flavor Base

In a food processor or mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Blend or whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Emulsify with Olive Oil

Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending or whisking continuously. This process creates a creamy emulsion that holds everything together.

Step 3: Add Parmesan and Seasoning

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Chill and Store

Transfer the finished dressing to a glass jar or sealed container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.

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How to Serve and Store Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing

This dressing is a game-changer for more than just Caesar salads. Drizzle it over grilled chicken wraps, toss it with roasted veggies, or use it as a dip for crisp veggies and crusty bread. It’s also a fantastic marinade for proteins like chicken or shrimp before grilling.

To store, transfer the dressing into a sealed glass jar or airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to one week. Always stir or shake before using, as natural separation may occur.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade Caesar dressing last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for about 5 to 7 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I substitute anchovy paste?

Yes. If you don’t have anchovy paste, you can use one or two canned anchovy fillets mashed into a paste, or use a bit more Worcestershire sauce for a milder, vegetarian-friendly option.

Is it safe to use raw eggs instead of mayonnaise?

If you prefer a traditional version with raw eggs, use very fresh eggs or pasteurized ones. However, mayonnaise is a safer and simpler alternative.

Can I make this dressing dairy-free?

Absolutely. Just swap the Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy, nutty flavor.

Why is my dressing too thick or too thin?

If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or lemon juice. If it’s too thin, incorporate a bit more mayonnaise or Parmesan to thicken it up.

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Want More Dressing and Dip Ideas?

If this Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing hits the spot, you’ll love these other flavorful and versatile creations:

• Creamy Boat Dip (Rotel Ranch Dip) for a bold Tex-Mex appetizer.
• Mediterranean Feta Dipping Oil that pairs beautifully with warm bread.
• Sweet & Savory Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken for another umami-packed dish that can pair with Caesar on the side.
• Shrimp Salad where you can use this dressing to elevate the flavor.
• Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce for an aromatic meal that complements tangy dressings like this one.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad or dressing board so you can come back to it any time: Follow me on Pinterest at Life With Olivia.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic? Add an egg yolk for tradition? Maybe skipped the anchovy?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Feel free to ask questions, swap ideas, or share tips—we’re in this kitchen journey together!

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